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Review on πŸƒ Waterproof Running GPS: Garmin Forerunner 101 for Enhanced Performance by Charles Julian

Revainrating 1 out of 5

Extremely inaccurate

This device works poorly with tree canopy, even with light canopy. At certain points in my run I'm in wide open areas with a line of trees far to one side and this unit loses signal. If the signal is lost or weak, the device must interpolate the distance between legible. However, he does not do this properly or consistently. I have three main routes that I alternate: 10km, 15km and 20km. All three distances were confirmed by my bike computer, which I carefully calibrated. After 10 km, this device loses track by about 500-1000 meters, although sometimes it will be relatively accurate, and it is obvious that the inaccuracy increases at longer distances. Since the inaccuracy is not constant, I cannot correct any of its readings, particularly the tempo. A certain section of all three runs is 2500 meters long perfectly straight but with very dense tree cover. On some days, despite the poor signal, it measures or interpolates the distance perfectly. On others it is less than 500 meters or more. This device is certainly not suitable for every type of structured training. Imprecision is one thing, but it is both imprecision and inconsistency. Once the leaves start to fall I look forward to a super human increase in performance from this machine as my missed miles start to show up again. Knowing the distances I use it quite well as an expensive stopwatch, but it would be nice if it could show my pace properly. Very frustrating. I am aware of the limitations of GPS devices having worked with testing GPS tracking devices on trucks. But this device is horribly off scale. In comparison, I have a GPS receiver for my Nokia N800 tablet computer that can track where I move around the house and I have a lot of trees in my garden. I believe if you live on a glacier or in the desert or move very very slowly this device will suit you.

Pros
  • GPS sensor provides accurate latitude and longitude
Cons
  • Expensive